Chapter VIII, pages 207-215 Summary

It is late afternoon when Don Jaime leaves the police offices. While on his way home he thinks he sees a young man watching him, but them Don Jaime realizes that he has no idea what his attackers might look like. He thinks about Campillo's advice to hide, but Don Jaime decides against it. Don Jaime thinks about Don Luis, Dona Adela, and Carceles, and he feels sorrow. Don Jaime is determined not to flee.

After a modest dinner, Don Jaime drinks coffee and looks at the artifacts in his residence. He sees the collection of swords and the diploma from the French academy. Don Jaime opens a drawer and removes a revolver that had been a gift from a former student. He places the revolver next to a sword on a table near a chair. Don...